Waste disposal device



Dec. 29, 1953 JORDAN 2,664,247

WASTE DISPOSAL DEVICE Filed D60. 20, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 a as 3 /NVNTOR. HA/\ /5 JORDAN BY HIS ATTORNEYS.

H. JORDAN WASTE DISPOSAL DEVICE Dec. 29, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Ju y/I'll Filed Dec. 20

Fig.2.

/NVENTOR. HANS JORDAN BY H/s ATTORNEYS.

HARE/5, GE

(II-FOSTER 6x HARP/5 Patented Dec. 29, 1953 WASTE DISPOSAL DEVICE Hans Jordan, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Given Machinery Company, Los Angeles, Calif., a copartnership Application December 20, 1947, Serial N 0. 792,953

21 Claims. 1

My invention relates to waste disposal devices of the type adapted for use in connection with conventional household sinks for comminuting waste material by electric comminution means. Specifically, the invention pertains to an electric switch mechanism for controlling the operation of the comminution means, said switch mechanism being actuated in a novel manner by a flow of the flushing liquid from the sink.-

- The present invention relates to control means for use in comminuting or waste disposal devices of the general type disclosed in my copending applications Serial No. 639,753 filed January 8, 1946, now Patent No. 2,442,812, and Serial No. 730,482 filed February 24, 1947. Waste disposal units of this type require a flow of water or other flushing liquid to the comminuting means during the operation thereof and it is desirable that the operation of the comminuting means be automatically started in response to the flow of the flushing liquid through the disposal device in order to prevent packing and jamming of the unit, which frequently results if the comminuting means is operated in the absence of a liquid flow. It is a primary object of my invention, therefore, to provide a waste disposa1 device in which the operation of the comminuting means is set in motion by the flow of liquid through the device and, conversely, is arrested at any time that the water or other flushing fluid ceases to enter the disposal device.

In the present invention, the foregoing object is accomplished by the use of a pressure-operated device, such as a bellows, which is actuated in response to the pressure of a head of the flushing liquid and adapted to actuate an electrical switch mechanism for controlling the energization of the electric motor for the comminuting device.

A further object of my invention is to provide a bellows-operated switch-actuating mechanism which is isolated and insulated from the comminuting chamber and reservoir into which an auxiliary flow of the flushing liquid is directed, the bellows itself being compressed or expanded in response to variations in air pressure, in an area adjacent the bellows, the air pressure varying in proportion to a variable head of the flushing liquid. By this provision, only the air contacts the bellows and the flushing liquid, while controlling the actuation of the switch means, never contacts the bellows. Thus, the bellows remains uncontaminated by dirt and waste material and remains stable in operation at any initial setting thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide in such a switch mechanism, controlled by the flushing liquid, adjusting means capable of adjusting with precision the extent of movement of the bellows necessary to initially actuate the switch so that said switch may be accurately set to close in response to a very limited flow of the flushing fluid from the sink into the comminuting chamber of the waste disposal unit, the switch then remaining closed in response to a small flow of the fluid. By this provision, the possibility of waste material entering and compacting in the comminuting chamber, when the comminuting means is inoperative, is entirely avoided and the device is thus rendered more efficient in use. Moreover, since the operation of the bellows is controlled by a head of the flushing fluid which diminishes at a relatively slow rate after the flow of the fluid is shut oil, the switch will remain closed and the operating motor will thus remain energized for a predetermined period of time after the flow of fluid is reduced to a minimum, or completely arrested, so that all waste material remaining in the chamber will be comminuted and disposed of. This constitutes an improvement over previous devices of a similar nature in which the comminuting means remains operative only when a relatively large volume flow of the flushing fluid is maintained, and in which the comminuting means may become inoperative even though waste material remains in the comminuting chamber.

A further object of the invention is to provide a waste disposal device having a control means for controlling the operation of the comminuting means which is extremely simple in construction and positive in action and one which will function over a long period of time without servicing.

Further objects of my invention Will be apparent from the following specification and from the drawing, which is intended for the purpose of illustration only, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a part-sectional side elevational view of a waste-disposal device embodying my improved control means;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 22 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view, taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the housing of the waste-disposal device, illustrating a control means of modified construction, certain parts being shown in section to disclose the internal structure of the contro1 means;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectiona1 view, taken on line 55 of Fig. 4;

: scribed in detailherein. The .-stopper. .includes a stationary seatelement Ziihaving holes Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional plan View, taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view, taken on line 1-4 of Fig. 6.

Referring to the drawing in detail, in Fig. l is shown a waste disposal unit ill of the same general character as the unit disclosed in my prior patent applications, referred to previously and to which reference is made for a'detailed description of the waste-comminuting means, the driving means and the water flow control means. Sufiice it to state that the unit includesm housing II, the upper flanged end"i2 of which is secured by bolts l3 to a ring [14 mounted against the lower end of an annular-flange l' 'dfining the discharge opening 16 in thebottom 'ofia conventional kitchen sink l1. Thehousing H has an inner annular wall I9 which provides a central comminuting chamber or hopper 20inwhich rotary comminuting means, of the type disclosed in my prior:applications,-is idisposed. ':The com- -minuting means is adapted to be operated by an electric motor 21 secured .to .the lower-end of .the housing H.

Waste material may be inserted :inthe com- :minuting chamber-"'20 through the openupper end thereof andduring-the comminutingof the waste material, water flowing into the sink .H

from theusual tap (notshown) also'flows downwardly into the hopper to flush away theeparti- .clesopwaste material reduced in .the:chamber,

the material insuspension then passing outward- :ly through a dischargespipe ,22 which may :be

connectedto the usual conduit leading to a sewer or the like.

- Disposed inthe opening .1 620)? the sink .H :is. a stopper device-:24 which may be of-a type shown inmy prior applications and therefore not dedevi-ce 24 2.6 and 21 =thereinthrough which flushing water maypass, and .a rotary-element ,28-rotatable'on the seatelement 25 and-provided with a handle '29. The element 28. has anopeningfiflaadapted .tozregister with the opening 26 whenthe'element .28 is rotated .to one positioniso as to-allow the flushing water to .rlow into'the comminuting chamber 20. The element'.;28 alsohas acurved spout 3i ,Whichxis adapted, .upon rotationof the element 28 tonregister with theopening 21 vto cause some of the flushing water-ztozbe directed tlaterallysthrough a screened port .23 in'the..side .of the inner annular wall l9 of .the housing H.

The port-23 communicates ;.with a substantially vertical reservoir 34 defined-by the .wall .l9- and a wall.35, vformed integral with ;and extending downwardly along the side of the-wall :IQ to-the bottom wall ,36 of the housing H. The reservoir 34 communicates with the interior of the discharge pipe 22 bymeans of a restricted passage or bleeder hole 31 (Fig. 3).

As in the waste-disposal units shown in my prior applications, it'is desirable that the operation of the comminuting meansbe controlled ;by the passage of flushing water from .thesink into the comminuting hopper. That'isato say,

during or following the insertion-.of-the waste material into the comminutionhopper 20, it is necessary to supply flushingwater to the hop- ,per for the purpose of flushing away the reduced particles of the waste material from the hopper, otherwise the particles mightbe compactedlwithin the hopper to impair further operation of the comminuting means. In my -prior,devices, .the

operation of the comminuting means was ini- .isextended laterally;at the lower .endof the :Hflow and the actual starting of the comminuting operation As previously explained, it is an important object of my present invention to prozvideta .wasteedisposal device which is more eflicient than -previous devices of similar types in that the comminuting mechanism is set in mo- .tipnimmediately following the start of flow of the flushing liquid. This object is accomplished -byproviding means, to be next described, which is operable, in response to the initial flow of zfiushingcwateninto ythea device, to --close; the motor switch and thus-effect operation of the gomminuting means. 7 I

- Referring; particularly to. Fig. 3, thewall ;3 5

ertical reservoir 34:- ,toprovide a boss-Afl ch cored 'out to provide a cylindrical-pressure chamber '14! ,and amopening @1512. commi nica between the chamberrllt andre Qrvo i-rq34. 1 isposed in the pressure chamber-s4 i and retained place-by-asuitable cap 44 isya bellows element 45 arranged with its axis ,vertical" and- -having a spindle-Dr stem 46 p j ins up a si ath j h a central" hole the cap. When :thebellows element 45 is contracted :inlength; due to pressure within, the chamber I its spindle 4 6 projected" upwardly and; extensionof -,the 1 bellows element is limited by the engagementor .the lower 'endof-the element,-or its-spindle, with a lug 341 within the chamber-M.

-Theupperend;of the bellows spindle Milengages +beneath :-Qne- .e1ld of -a switcheactuating lever 48 -.which is pivoted on astud 49 screwed 'intma boss on the side ofthescircular-wall 1.9. The opposite end of thelever-AS'carried aheaded screw 5G-which is adjustably screwed through ;a ,tapped hole in :the leverand retaineddnadjusted-position by means 0m; locknut 5|. The head 52 ,of the' screw 50 is adapted'to engage 'the. depending actuatingplunger 5445f;- anelectric switch attached to the side of the wall IS. :The .lever 48 ,normally pivoted in a direction to cause the screw head" 52 Yto-force'the plunger 5.4 upwardly, so as to maintain the switch -55j.open, bymeansof a tensionspringilhaving one end connected to an eye-bolt ,58 carried .by .the lever and itsother end connected to .an-eye-scre'w 59 screwed'into'the bottom wall ofthehousing H. The switch 55 isconnected'in series withlthe electric motor2l as indicated in Fig. l.

thedisposal units disclosed injrny prior applications, 'the stopper element 28 can ,be rotated to a position toprevent fiowof any water -,t hro1r gh thedrainppening' [6. so as toperniit filling t sink' compartment. The stopperelement 2 c'an also be-rotated to a second position wherein an opening (not shown) .in thestopper element ,28 is aligned with the opening 26 and .thespout .3 I is rotated. out of alignment with the screened port 23. With :the stopper element 28 adjusted to this second position-water :present in the sink, or running fromthe tap, canflow down through the I comminuting ihopper :20 but since the spout 3i and port 23 are-misalignedgno r waterswill ;-b -.d ected throughthe portinto zthe reservoir 34 and the electric motor 2| will remain de-energized.

-To operate the disposal unit to processv and flush away waste material, such as scraps of waste food removed from dishes. it is only necessary to rotate the stopper. element 28 to the position shown in Fig. 1. Such rotation of the element 28 aligns its opening 30 with the opening 26 of the stationary seat element 25 so that the waste material and flushing water, flowing from the tap, can descend into the comminuting hopper 20. Since the spout 3| is now aligned with the port 23, some of the flushing water is directed through the port and into the vertical reservoir 34 where it accumulates to build up a head or column of the water as indicated at 60 in Fig. 3. Because the reservoir 34 is of comparatively small size in cross-section, the water head 60 is produced quickly.-it being noted that the flow or bleed of the water from the reservoir through the bleed opening 31 is small when compared to the ingress of water at'the upper end of the reservoir.

Referring to Fig. 3, it will be observed that when a head or column 60 of water builds up in the reservoir 34 it flows through the opening 42 into the bottom of the chamber 4| so that the air present in this chamber is forced upwardly and compressed, the degree of compression being proportional to the height of the water column. The bellows element 45 is thus compressed or contracted in length by the air pressure exerted thereagainst and its spindle 46 is moved upwardly to rotate the lever 48 in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, againstv the action of the spring 57;. By this action, the spring-actuated plunger 54 of the micro-switch 55 is released to permit it to move outwardly and thereby effect closing of the switch contacts. Thus, the electric circuit to the electric motor 2| is closed to energize the motor, which then functions to drive the comminuting means within the hopper 28 to comminute or disintegrate the waste material which is then flushed through the bottom of the housing H and its discharge pipe 22 by the tap water flowing into the hopper 20 by way of the openings 26 and 38.

It is to be noted that the bellows element 45 is relatively weak in axial tensile strength so that it will compress readily in response to a slight pressure exerted thereagainst. It is apparent, therefore, that the switch 55 will be closed immediately the head or column of water starts to build up in the reservoir 34 or, in other words, at the start of the flow of tap water from the sink into the disposal device and thus the comminuting operation is initiated promptly. As another feature of the invention, only the air pocketed within the chamber 4| contacts the bellows element 45 so that the latter is not contaminated by small particles of waste'material which might pass through the screened port 23 and into the reservoir 34 and eflicient, trouble-free operation of the bellows element thus assured.

As a further means for insuring prompt closing of .the switch 55, the switch-actuating screw 50 may be minutely adjusted on the lever 48 so as to provide for immediate closing of the switch in response to a very slight movement of the plunger 54. During the comminuting operation, the water in the reservoir 34 bleeds out through the restricted bleed opening 3'! at a relatively slow rate so that any particles of foreign matter are carried out of the reservoir. However, since the water is continuously replenished by the flow 6 into the upper end of the reservoir 34, a head 66 is maintained to efiect continuous operation of the comminuting means.

After the disposal device has been in operation for a period sufficient to completely process and flush away the waste material, the tap is closed to disrupt the flow of water through the stopper device 24 into the hopper 20 and reservoir 34. The column 60 of water will then diminish in height, due to the flow of the water through the bleed hole 31, so that eventually the pressure of the air within the bellows chamber 4| will be reduced to a force which is overcome by the force of the spring 51, which will then act to extend the bellows element 45 and restore the switch plunger 54 to first position so as to open the switch 55 and arrest the operation of the motor 2|. If desired, the flow of flushing water from the sink may be maintained and the stopper element 28 merely rotated to a position wherein its spout 3| is moved out of alignment with the screened port 23 so as to disrupt the flow of water into the reservoir 34. By this provision, the operation of the comminuting means will be continued for a relatively short period of time, after the stopper element 28 is rotated, and during this interval the flow of flushing water through the hopper 28 will act to clean the surfaces of the comminuting means and flush away any remaining particles of waste material.

Attention is now directed to Figs. 4 to 7 wherein a control means of slightly modified construction is disclosed. As in the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the alternative control means is located exteriorly of the inner annular wall IQ of the housing H and is operated in response to a. flow of water through the screened port 23, the water being directed through the port by a spout 3|. The inner wall I9 is provided with a horizontal flange 65 having a circular boss 66, the boss having a bore providing a discharge port 67. A tray-like member 68 has a depending projection 69 which is adapted to be disposed in the bore 61 of the boss 66 with the surrounding portion of the member 68 seated against the top of the boss as shown in Fig. 7, the projection having a relatively small hole 10 therein. The member 68 preferably has an extension H which is secured against a pad 12 on the wall I9 by means of screws 13.

The tray-like member 68 provides the lower portion of a housing 15 which also includes a top member or cover 16. The cover 16 is of inverted tray shape and has a top wall 1! and a depending rim 18 which is adapted to fit closely within the member 88 and to rest upon a seat 18 therein. The members 68 and 18 may be soldered or otherwise secured together. Adjacent one end of the cover 16 the top wall 11 has an annular boss 80, in the upper end of which is held the lower end of a flexible tube or hose 8|. The upper end of the hose 8| encircles the lower end of a'rigid tube 82, the upper end of which is attached to-the side of the wall |9 by screws 83. The tube 82 is aligned with the screened port 23 and is adapted to receive water flowing therethrough, the tube 82 and hose 8| together defining a substantially vertical reservoir 85 adapted to contain a column or head of the water, indicated at 86 in Fig. 5, it being understood that the water in the reservoir can flow therefrom at a relatively slow rate through the restricted hole 18.

Formed integral with the cover 16 is a substantially vertical bracket arm 88, to the uppe end of which is attached one end of a sheet metal said bellows eifects operation means; switch means for energizing said power means; walls defining a fixed reservoir, said reservoir having means for discharging said reservoir; means for diverting a portion of the flushing fluid inserted through said opening into said reservoir; pressure-responsive bellows means in association with said reservoir and adapted to be operated in response to static pressure created by a column of said fluid in said reservoir; and means operatively connecting said bellows means and said switch means so that operation of said switch means. v

4. The combination defined in claim 1 in which a wall defining the lower end of said reservoir is provided with a bleed port. comprising said reservoir-discharging means.

5. The combination defined in claim 1 in which said device is provided with walls defining a pressure chamber in vfluid communication with said reservoir adjacent the bottom thereof, said pressure-responsive means being disposed in said pressure chamber and adapted to be operated in response to variations in pressure of air compressed within said chamber by said column of fluid in said reservoir.

6. The combination defined in claim 1 in which said device is provided with walls defining a pressure chamber, the) lower end of which'is in fluid communication with the lower end of said reservoir, said pressure-responsive meansbeing disposed within said pressure chamber at the upper end thereof and adapted to be operated in response to variations in pressure of 'air trapped within said chamber andcompressedby said column of fluid in said reservoir.

, f 7. In a waste disposal device, the combination of: hopper means having an opening therein through which waste material and flushing flu1d can be inserted into said hopper means; comminuting means in said hopper means, adapted to comminute waste material therein; electric power means for operating saidvcommmuting means; an electric circuit for said power means;

a switch connected in said circuitfor effecting energization and de-energization of saidpower 'means; lever means for actuating said switch;

walls defining a fixed reservoir, said reservoir having a restricted bleed port adjacent its lower end; means for diverting a portion of said fluid inserted through said opening into said reservoir; and pressure-responsive means in association with said reservoir and adapted to be operated in response to static pressure created by a column of said fluid in said reservoir, said pressure-responsive means being operatively connected to said lever means for operating the same.

8. In a waste-disposal device, the combination of: a circular wall defining a hopper having an opening at its upper end through which waste material can be inserted into said hopper, said wall having a port adjacent its upper end; comminuting means in said hopper, adapted to comminute waste material therein; power means for operating said comminuting means; switch means for energizing said power means; walls defining, with said circular wall, a substantially vertical reservoir and an offset pressure chamber at the lower end of said reservoir and in fluid communication therewith, said port communicating between said hopper and said reservoir; means for introducing fluid into said hopper; means for directing a portion of the introduced fluid through said port into said reservoir, said reservoir having a bleed port, disposed adjacent the bottom thereof, through which fluid can drain from said reservoir; pressure-responsive means disposed within said pressure chamber and adapted to be operated in response to variations in pressure of air compressed within said pressure chamber by a column of said fluid in said reservoir; and lever means operatively connecting said pressure-responsive means and said switch means so that operation of said pressureresponsive means causes operation of said switch means.

9, In a waste-disposal device, the combination of: a circular wall defining a hopper having an'opening at its upperend through which waste material can be inserted into said hopper, said wall having a port adjacent its upper. end; comminuting means in said hopper, adapted to comminute waste material therein; power means for operating said comminuting means; switch means for energizing said power means; walls defining withsaid circular wall, a substantially vertical reservoir having a restricted discharge opening at its lower end and an offset pressure chamber at the lower end of said reservoir and in fluid communication therewith, said port communicating between said hopper and said reservoir; means for introducing fluid into said hopper; means for directing a portion of the introduced fluid through said port into said reservoir; pressure-responsive means disposed within' said pressure chamber and adapted to be operated in response to variations in pressure of air compressed withinsa'idpressure' chamber by a column of saidfluid in said reservoir; and lever means. operatively connecting said pressure-responsive means and said switch means so that operation of said pressure-responsive means .causes operation of said switch means.

a substantially vertical reservoir having a restricted discharge opening at its lower end through which fluid can bleed from said reservoir and an oflset pressure chamber at the lower end of said reservoir and in fluid communication therewith, said port communicating between said hopper and said reservoir; means for introducing fluid into said hopper; means for directing a portion of the introduced fluid through said port into said reservoir; pressure-responsive means disposed. within said, pressure chamber and adapted to be operated in response to varia tions in pressure of air compressed within said pressure chamber by a column of said fluid in said reservoir; and lever means operatively connecting said pressure-responsive means and said switch means so that operation of said pressureresponsive means causes operation of said switch means.

11. In a waste-disposal device, the combination of: a circular wall defining a hopper having an opening at its upper end through which waste material can be inserted into said hopper, said wall having a port adjacent its upper end; comminuting means in said hopper, adapted to comi t oducin luid "as throu h wh ch upper end pf said p ess e minute waste material therein; power -means f or operating said comminuting means; switch H meansfor energizing said,pow,er'means;f a stopper device in said opening of, said hopper for controlling the introduction of fiuidinto ,s'aid hopper,

said device having a spout for directing fluid through saidport; cular wall, a substantially verticalreservoir s having a restricted discharge opening ,at, itsllower Walls defining, with said cirsponsive means disposed. within v said pressure chamberand adapted to ,be operatedjin response A to variations in pressure of air compressed. within said pressure chamber by.a, col urnn of saidfiuid 1. ,,s id. e se v 2ir; vand lever means rop rat yely r ewing a sa dswit him anss pressure-re ponsive-emcans san thatoperaticn .c eidpreslsure responsive means causes peration pf said ...sw t h.mean

12.. In a waste-disposaldevice, the combination .of a circular wallidefining a hopper having an ppenins wait uppe nd th ough Nwhichwaste ma er an i s r ed into. said hopper sai wall having a port adjacent its upper end; comm m t ne means i rsa dhcnpe ad ted to-c m lt waste ma erial the in; vp wer means o .opera-t ne said cemmin t ne .me sw h .means or e e zin aid p wermea rastonper evi ein a open ng ofrsaid hoppe iqrr e trel iuef th tr dueticn of, fluid int s id. ho f'pe sa d devi h ving-a pect or d recting .fluid .t rque aid po wall d fining, .with said c cular wall, a, substantially vertical reservoir having arestrictedldischaige opening at its lower chamber offset laterally ircm sai rese vo an influid com n a ion therew t bellows m an d p se with the ham and a apted to be I compressed In response to variations in p essur .01 a emp es ed w thi s i rp e su chamber by a column of said fluid in said reservoir, sa d b ll w mean includ n a axi spindle proie ine from s d pr s h mb ,said' spind a s sw tc m ans s the't .op ,ation of saidpressureresponsive means causes .operation ofsaid switch means.

13 In awaste disposal device, thecombinav having an opening therein tion of: hoppe me n throughwhich waste material and a fluid can be n erte into. ai h pp r mean Qomminutine meansin said hopper means adapted; to comminute wast ma he in; ct i r we s fo operatin S i @Qmfll uiin m an a electric circuit iorsaid power means; a switch connected in said circuit for effecting energization, and de-energization of said power means; a

lever (for actuatingsaid switch; a housing detachsaid hopper means andhaving ably connected to a restrictedbleed port in its bottom; asubstantially vertical, tubular member connected tosaid housing with its upper end commumcatingwith said opening of said hOPnenmea-nssaid, member -providing a r s rv i me n pr directin an rtionofithe fluid from said open ervoir walls in I said housing denning a pressur 1 s s aid-f echamber,-the lower end of whi h i ginrflu d mmumcation --with the lower and of said reservoir;

int said hopp tn suregre fluid intrqducedinto said res- 1. ervo r threus ai p rt can ble d i om e d rese vo r a d a p essu and .lever. m ans pera vel co n te b w en a pressure-responsive element on .said .housing a'ndadaptedto bezoperated in response to variations in pressure. of air trapped within said chambenand compressed .by said column of fluid in said reservoir; and ,meansformed integral with .said element and voperatively connected .to,said switch actuating lever .so that operation eoiusaid element vreflects actuation of said -lever.

,Vl ln a waste-disposal device, the combination .o'f:, ;hopper means .having an opening therein through which waste ,material and fluid canbe inserted .into. said -hopper means; rcomminuting means in said hopper means adapted to. com- )minute waste material therein; ielectricpower cmeans ior operatingsaid .com'minutingirneans; an electric. circuit for said power means a switch connected in said circuit for refiecting'energizationand de energization-of said power ,means; a resilient lever rior actuating said switchga housing. detachablyconnected to said hopper means sand having a restricted bleed port .in its bottom; a substantially vertical, tubular .membermc'onnectedto said housing withits upper endiindiuid communication with said opening of said hopper, said .member providing a reservoir; .meansjiior directing a portion of the fluid from said opening .intovsaid reservoir walls in said housing defining ,a pressure chamber, the lower end; of which is in rfiuid communication with the lower end of said reservoinna pressure-responsive element on said housing .and adapted to be operated inli spoinse ..to variations .in pressure or air trapped -said chamberancl compressed by said column of .,.fl uid.in,said reservoir; and a spindle carried by said. element and adapted to; contact ,saidjlever to move thelever to switch closing positionjin response to operation .of. said pressure-responsive ,element due to pressure developed within Said chamber. v

15. lnsanwaste-wdispc-sal device, the combinationof: hopper means havingranpphning, therein through which waste.material andfluid can be inserted into saidlhopper means; cozn rninuting .means vinrsaid hopper means adapted to com .minute wasteimaterial therein; electric power means-for operating said. comrninuting. means; an-electric circuit for said-power means; a switch connected in said .circuitaior.- effecting energization and de-energizaticn of said porter means; -;a.-resilient lever Ior actuating saiduswitch; 'a housing detachably connected-to said hopper meansiand havinga restricted bleed port in its bottom; a substantially vertical; tubular,,mm- -berconnected to said housing and having .(an upper open .end in fluid communication withsaid opening, said member providing a reservoir; meansiorfldirecting va portion .of the fluid from said opening into saidreservoir; ,walls in said housing definingnapressure chamber, thfilower .end 'of which is in fluid ccomrrumicationwith the lowenend of said reserve 1r; a pressure-respcnsive element on said housing and adaptedto be operated-in :response to variations in pressure of air trapped within said chamber and compressed by said -.column of fluid in said reservoir; means formed integral with saidelement and operatively connected to said switch actuating lever so that operation of said element effects actuation ofsaid leveryand spring means operative to move-said lever ito switch-openingposition. I

-16. v- A-device as defined in claim 13, in which said tubular member is-at least partly flexible.

v1'7. A-device as defined in claim 15, in which said switch, switchactuating lever and-spring means are carried by saidhousing.

18. A device as defined in claim 15, in which said housing is provided with a hole in its side through which a cleaning implement can be inserted and directed through said restricted bleed port to clean the same without requiring disconnection of said tubular member.

19. In a Waste disposal device, the combination of: hopper means having an opening therein through which waste material and flushing fluid can be admitted into said hopper means; fluid discharge means leading from said hopper means; comminuting means in said hopper means, adapted to comminute waste material therein; power means for operating said comminuting means; reservoir means apart from said fluid discharge means to receive a head of said flushing fluid; means for diverting a portion only of the flushing fluid flowing through said opening into said reservoir means to form said head of fluid; and pressure-responsive means operatively connected to said power means and responsive to the pressure of a predetermined head of said flushing fluid in said reservoir means for controlling the operation of said power means, said last-named 14 means being operable automatically upon creation of such predetermined head to energize said power means.

20. A combination as in claim 19 including: means for discharging said fluid head following cessation of flow of flushing fluid to said reservoir means.

21. A combination as in claim 20 wherein said pressure-responsive means includes switch means for said power means and means connected with said switch means and operable by said pressure of said predetermined head of fluid.

HANS JORDAN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,044,548 Schwennker June 16, 1936 2,155,868 Pauly Apr. 25, 1939 2,244,402 Powers June 3, 1941 2,358,181 Mead et al Sept. 12, 1944 2,469,205 Powers May 3, 1949 

